BONIFAY— Associate Director of Membership Development for the Florida League of Cities Sharon Berrian was present of the behalf of the League to honor Bonifay City Council member Roger Brooks for his 30 years of elected service during the Bonifay City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Nov. 26.

“This is in honor of not only your dedication to Bonifay but to our state and to the cities throughout our state,” said Berrian. “This is in recognition of the fact that you have provided a lifetime of dedicated service to your citizens and I want you to know I really feel honored to be here tonight to present this resolution to you on behalf of the Florida League of Cities.”

Berrian then read the resolution to the council and residents in attendance.

“It is a resolution of Board of Directors of the Florida League of Cities, Inc. to honor Roger H. Brooks for 30 years of elected service and commending him for his unselfish commitment to municipal leadership in governments,” read Berrian. “Whereas America’s municipal governments have long relied on unselfish leadership of their citizens for local government and Florida’s municipal government share the time-honored role as the level of government closest to the people.

“Whereas this reliance places extraordinary responsibility upon citizens legislatures municipal elected officials such as yourself, who make significant sacrifices of their times and energies on behalf of their citizens often for little or no compensation, making this commitment a true labor of love.

“Whereas municipal leaders strive for excellence in the governments of city, town or village and commit themselves to providing quality service, governing effectively and working to improve the quality of life.

“Whereas several terms in office is a very high complements voters give to an official and with these years of experience comes a strengthening of wisdom, discernment and strong leadership skills that brings tremendous value to the municipal governments of Florida.

“Whereas Roger H. Brooks has held office in the City of Bonifay for 30 years and it’s recognized for this achievement.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Cities, Inc. that Roger H. Brooks is commended for your dedication to the city of Bonifay and is hereby recognized as an outstanding public servant in Florida.”

Berrian said she was honored to be there and that the Florida League of Cities would be honoring Brooks on their website, Facebook and Twitter as well as at their headquarters.

“It’s never been about me,” Brooks said. “It’s always about the people.”

Resident Ray Brooks came before the council with concerns about the streets of Bonifay.

Brooks pointed out that due to water leaks there are many roads with broken pavement and indentures.

Mayor Lawrence Cloud explained that the city was aware of every issue he brought up and that these issues were because of their previous contractor and the city was getting in contact with the contractor to correct their mistakes. The only drawback would be if the contractor refused to correct the damage because the one-year warrantee is up.

“What’s to stop the same thing happening again during this project?” Ray Brooks asked. “I’m concerned that the streets of Bonifay being worse off then when before the project began.”

Cloud assured the man that the difference this time is that they increased their inspectors from one to three.

“We’ve learned from our previous project and I know this time will be better,” said Cloud.

City Superintendent Jack Marell also informed Brooks that it is mandatory that all inspectors update the city on a regular and timely basis.

The Council was informed that there were still two local businesses in volition of the grease trap ordinance and needed to be dealt with.

The Council approved of Council member Richard Woodhams suggestion of sending the business a letter, have the local agency pump their grease trap for them and add the bill to their water bill.

“That way if they don’t pay then their services will be disconnected until they do,” said Woodham.

The Council approved of Paying Baxter’s Asphalt $1,131 for the paving done on Varner Street.

The Council also approved of granting Jack Locke access to the easement already granted to Verizon to their cell phone tower.

“It won’t change anything and the city wouldn’t be liable for anything,” said City Attorney Lucas Taylor. “It’s just giving them permission to use a path that’s already being used and maintained by Verizon.”

Cloud announced they received a praise report from a local resident for the paving of McGee Road.

“It’s rare for us to get a thank you,” said Cloud. “When we do get a thank you it is greatly appreciated.”

The next regularly scheduled Bonifay City Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10 at the Bonifay City Hall.